Method and apparatus for enhancing growth characteristics of seeds using ion-electron avalanches

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for treating seeds with self-organized avalanches of electrons between electrodes (11, 12) as a cathode and an anode with seeds (13) between the anode and cathode or on the anode. Apparatus circuit (200) in a box (20) provides simultaneous DC and AC between the electrodes which creates the avalanche of electrons which project into the seeds. The seeds must be stored before planting. The seeds so treated have enhanced growth characteristics.

This is a divisional of application(s) Ser. No. 08/715,618 filed on Sep.18. 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,627.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treatingseeds, thereby reproducibly enhancing rate and uniformity of seedgermination, early growth, root growth, maturity, and yield in foodcrops and other plants. These results are achieved by exposing seeds orgrowing plants to uniform, spontaneously-organized pulses ofion-electron avalanches. One important aspect is allowing a period ofseveral weeks storage before planting thereby allowing internal,biochemical changes to take place at the cellular level within the seed.The present invention also relates to a quality-control method andapparatus for selecting optimal treatment parameters with the avalanchesof ions and electrons for each variety of seed.

(2) Description of Related Art

Almost since the discovery of the commercial use of electricity,experimenters have tried to electrically influence plant growth. Variousprior art experimenters have claimed positive results from exposinggrowing plants to electrical stimulation in situ. A wiring network overa field of growing crops is not cost-effective or practical on acommercial scale, and such techniques have not been adopted by farmers.

Some prior art experimenters have attempted to avoid the prohibitivecost of wiring a field by applying electromagnetic treatments to seedsbefore planting. Despite reports of increased growth and, in some cases,increased yield, these results have proven difficult to repeat and havenot achieved commercial use. Parry (U.S. Pat. No. 2,308,204 (1943))describes the use of an oscillating DC voltage to treat seeds toincrease germination of the seeds. There is no indication of improvedplants. Jonas (U.S. Pat. No. 2,712,713 (1955)) and others exposed seedsto high frequency oscillating fields between 30 MHz and microwave range,claiming faster and more uniform germination. Jonas stated that the workof others along similar lines have been impossible to repeat andconfirm. The patent describes only increased germination of the seeds.Amburn (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,675,367 (1972) and 3,765,125 (1975)) exposedseeds to magnetic fields, claiming increased germination rate as aneffect. Because of unreliability and non-reproducibility, none of thesemethods have achieved widespread commercial acceptance.

Levengood (U.S. Pat. No. 3,822,505 (1974)) describes an apparatus forgenetically altering plant cells using combined electrical and magneticfields. The electrical field is static. There was alteration in thegrowth of seeds, but the method was not repetitively effective frombatch to batch of seeds. Another patent to Levengood (U.S. Pat. No.3,852,914 (1974)) describes a method for testing seeds for viability, bymeasuring pregermination tissue conductivity.

Schiller et al (U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,611 (1987)) describe treating seedsto disinfect them with low energy electrons using an electron gun. Theradiation dosages are quite high and the acceleration voltages arebetween 25 and 75 kV. The use of high energy ionizing radiation cancause damage to chromosomes and resultant genetic change which posescomplications for use in open fields. There is no indication that thegrowth of the plant is enhanced on a reproducible basis. Yoshida (U.S.Pat. No. 4,758,318 (1988)) describes using a pulsating direct current toprevent mold. The voltages were 300 to 20,000 V DC which were pulsed.This method is not practical on a large scale and the results werevariable. Liboff et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,934 (1992)) describe the useof magnetic fields with plants in the soil. This method is notpractical.

Levengood (U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,626 (1994)) describes geneticallytransferring DNA between plants using a constant DC voltage. This isalso described in Bioelectrochemistry and Bioenergetics (1991). Theseare techniques for producing genetically altered plants.

Other patents of general interest are Saruwatari (U.S. Pat. No.4,188,751 (1980)) relating to magnetic treatment; Weinberqer (U.S. Pat.No. 3,703,051 (1972)) relating to ultrasound; U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,885(1976) relating to microwaves.

One system which used an A.C. ripple in a D.C. current to produce pulsesis Tellefson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,579 (1992)). Pulses of ions wereproduced from wire brush emitters to flood growing plants in a field.The method is not used with seeds.

There is clearly a need for a reproducible and reliable method fortreating seeds to enhance their growth characteristics. The prior artmethods have not met this need since no such method is usedcommercially.

OBJECTS

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved, reproducible method and apparatus for enhancing the growthcharacteristics of seeds. It is further an object of the presentinvention to provide such a method which is simple, reliable andeconomical to perform. Further still it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a method and apparatus for detecting whether or notthe treated seeds have been effectively improved in their growthcharacteristics by the method and apparatus for enhancing growthcharacteristics Further still, it is an object of the present inventionto provide a method and apparatus which allows monitoring duringtreatment of the effectiveness of the apparatus for performing thetreatment. These and other objects will become increasingly apparent byreference to the following specification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the apparatus of the present inventionfor producing controlled, spontaneous, electrostatic pulses which formthe organized electron avalanches between an anode electrode 11supporting seeds 13 and a cathode electrode 12.

FIG. 1B is a charted graph showing organized electron avalanchesproduced in the apparatus of FIG. 1A with different DC voltages(relative humidity 26%; p =1009.3 mb).

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are graphs showing growth differences in tomatoes,pepper and carrot using a DC voltage for five minutes in the apparatusof FIG. 1A with seeds stored for 35 or 36 days. Germination data wastaken at the 12-day growth stage and represents hypocotyl extension(seedlings placed under grow lights at 4-day development). The data wascompared with two control sets in each test series. FIG. 2A shows tomatoseeds tested 35 days after exposure. FIG. 2B shows pepper seeds tested35 days after exposure. FIG. 2C shows carrot seeds tested 36 days afterexposure. As can be seen, similar curve shapes appear in the 5-minuteexposure data. In every case the maximum peak is at the 5-kV level, witha secondary peak at 20-KV.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are graphs showing redox ratio (ratio of active anionsto cations) changes in developing wheat and maize seedlings over a 60minute test interval in both untreated, control seed and in seed exposedto the spontaneously organized ion-electron avalanches, with avalancheexposure of 30 seconds at 10 kV (FIG. 3A) and 20 kv (FIG. 3B) The seedswere stored for eight (8) days. The leaf tissue between electrodes 11and 12 was tested after 12 days under a grow light.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing redox ratio changes in mature, field growncarrot foliage from both untreated control seeds and seeds exposed toion-electron avalanches at 5 kV for 5 minutes and stored for 81 daysbefore planting. Redox Ratio: FIG. 4 shows redox ratios of MIR-treatedcarrots to be lower than that of untreated controls, when measured afterthe plants develop to the mature autotrophic phase. The redox potentialis determined from exudate from the seeds.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an apparatus 100 with a probe coil 101 forexamining the induced-energy wave form from the ion-electron avalanchepulses produced by the apparatus of FIG. 1A. The coil 101 had 80,000turns of #40 copper wire and was approximately 8 cm in diameter and 10cm long on core 102.

The upper part of FIG. 6 is a graph showing the induced magnetic fieldin the coil 101 of FIG. 5 produced by the electron avalanches shown inthe lower portion of FIG. 6. This gives a direct reading of the currentbetween the electrodes 11 and 12 of FIG. 1A at an applied potential of 5kV.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an exponential correlation between theelectron pulsed current between electrodes 11 and 12 and the magneticfield potential induced in the coil 101.

FIG. 8A is a graph showing 1995 field emergence rates inavalanche-exposed soybeans versus two control series. The seeds wereVar. PS-202 (total of 48 seeds per test series). Series A: 5 kV, 5 min.Series B: 10 kV, 5 min. The seeds were stored for 86 days aftertreatment before planting.

FIG. 8B and 8C are graphs showing 1995 field emergence rates in twovarieties of avalanche exposed sweet corn seed versus their controls.The seeds were stored for 56 days after treatment before planting.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are graphs showing fruit or ear development in twovarieties of 1995 field-grown sweet corn versus their controls. Theseeds were stored for 56 days after treatment.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing carrot foliage yields in 1995 as a functionof avalanche-inducing voltages. The field plot data is based on percentchange in fruit relative to controls. Each point is a mean of a seriesof seeds exposed at 10 sec., 30 sec., 5 min. and 30 min. at the kv levelindicated. The seeds were stored for 81 days before planting.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram 200 in box 20 of apparatus 10 for producingthe spontaneous organized electron-ion avalanche pulses.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram for a power pack nodule 201 as shown inFIG. 11 in circuit 200 with the organized electron avalanches used inthe method of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a connector for the power pack nodule 201 of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing changes in avalanche pulse amplitude as aresult of photon-released electrons generated by ultraviolet lightexposure at the cathode. There is no effect from exposing the anode, aswe would expect from theoretical considerations.

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are graphs showing the results of aging of the seedsfor sweet corn (G18-86), carrots, pepper and oats with an exposure timeof 25 seconds.

FIG. 18 is a graph showing the results of treating seeds in the panicle.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a method for treating a seed to enhancegrowth characteristics of the seed which comprises: providing the seedbetween a pair of spread apart electrodes as an anode and a cathodehaving a gap between them and with seed on or adjacent to the anode;applying a direct current (DC) voltage to the anode and the cathodeusing a power supply with an output voltage with an impressedalternating current AC ripple on the output voltage so as to produceself-organized, or pulsed avalanches of electrons moving from thecathode towards and into the seed between the anode and cathode or onthe anode for a period of time which enhances the growth characteristicsof the seed; and storing the seed for a period of time before plantingsufficient to allow the seed to provide the seed with the enhancedgrowth characteristics.

The present invention also relates to a seed produced by providing aspace between an anode with the seed and the cathode, exposing the seedto pulsed avalanches of electrons produced by applying a DC voltage,with an AC ripple impressed upon the DC voltage, to spaced apartelectrodes using a power supply with an impressed AC ripple in theoutput voltage to produce self-organized pulsed avalanches ofion-electrons which move towards and into the seed, and then storing theseed before planting.

The present invention also relates to a plant produced from a seedproduced by exposing the seed to pulsed avalanches of electrons producedby providing spaced apart electrodes which are an anode and a cathodewith the seed between the anode and cathode or on the anode, applying aDC voltage with impressed AC ripple to the spaced apart electrodes toproduce self-organized avalanches of electrons which move towards theanode and into the seed before planting.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for detecting thepresence of pulsed avalanches of electrons in an apparatus for treatmentof a seed which comprises: a solenoid coil with multiple turns which isadapted to be positioned adjacent to a pair of spaced apart electrodesincluding an anode supporting the seed; and detection means fordetecting an induced current in the coil.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a seed toenhance the growth characteristics of the seed which comprises: a pairof spaced apart electrodes as an anode and as a cathode having a gapbetween them wherein the seed is to be supported on or adjacent to theanode; voltage generating means for simultaneously supplying a directcurrent (DC) voltage to the anode and the cathode using a power supplywith an output voltage with an impressed alternating current AC rippleas the output voltage so as to produce organized, pulsed avalanches ofelectrons moving from the cathode towards and into the seed on the anodefor a period of time which enhances the growth characteristics of theseed; and coil means with multiple turns mounted adjacent to the spacedapart electrodes which detects pulsed avalanches of electrons; andrecording means for recording the pulsed avalanches of electrons asdetected by the coil means.

The present invention relates to a method for significantly improvingthe rate and uniformity of germination and early growth, as well asincreased yield, in plants, particularly commercial crops, by acost-effective treatment of the seeds using electron avalanches in amanner that can be reliably duplicated, and lends itself well tocommercial exploitation. The method provides an apparatus for exposingseeds to organized avalanches of electrons from a flat electrode.

The seeds 13 are placed directly on top of a horizontal, flat aluminum(or other metal) plate or electrode 11 which is an anode spaced from anelectrode 12 which is a cathode so that the electrode 11 is the bottommost of the two parallel electrodes 11 and 12. Alternatively, the seedscan be placed on a non-conducting screen 22 (FIG. 5) elevating themabove the anode electrode 11. For all results listed here, theelelectrodes 11 and 12 used were round and 30 cm in diameter. Othershapes and sizes of electrodes can be used, though this may change theeffective voltage levels. The electrodes 11 and 12 are supported by legs14 and 14A made of a dielectric material. The bottom electrode 11 cantake a variety of forms, such as a metal conveyor belt (not shown).

A high-voltage DC power supply 20 providing positive current isconnected to the bottom electrode (anode) 11, while the top electrode 12(cathode) is grounded. Improved results are obtained if the DC powersupply contains an organized 60 or 220 Hertz ripple in the DC. Otherthan such an AC trace and its resultant ripple, there is no otheroscillation of the DC current. This distinguishes the apparatus fromprior art systems which use a voltage oscillator, usually in themegahertz range or higher.

Due to conductivity of the air between the electrodes 11 and 12,organized avalanches of electrons travel from the negative electrode 12(cathode) to the positive electrode 11 (anode). These electronavalanches register as pulses on the monitoring equipment describedhereinafter. When a "clean" signal DC power supply is used, both thefrequency and amplitudes of the ion-electron avalanches are lower andmore irregular. When a power supply with AC ripple is used, theavalanches form in regular self-organized, discrete pulses. Theseavalanche pulses commonly occur in the 0.1 to 30 Hz range between theelectrodes 11 and 12 and are a product of voltage gradient andconductivity of the air between the electrodes 11 and 12, not of anartificial oscillator. The term "self-organized" means that there is adischarge between the electrodes 11 and 12 dependent upon the voltageand the environmental conditions between the electrodes 11 and 12.

The best results have been obtained when the electrodes 11 and 12 aresupported on dielectric legs 14 on a plastic-topped table 16 and thebottom electrode 11 is grounded to the tabletop by a feedback loop 15 ofa conductive metal. When the feedback loop 15 is added, the sameelectrode system produces pulses of very similar frequency to thoseobtained without the loop, but of significantly increased amplitude. Thereason for this is that the table top 16 appears to function as afeed-back loop type of capacitor.

It has been found that an avalanche inducing voltage improving the seedsof some plant varieties was ineffective or actually harmful to seeds ofother varieties. Likewise, the duration of the seed's exposure to theelectron avalanches is important and variable. The diagnostic process toselect the best times and voltages is also important. Finally, thewaiting period before planting, and considerations of moisture in theair and seed temperature are important. The present method works well onseeds dried to normal levels for commercial storage and at temperaturesabove 40° C. Monitoring apparatus, described later, can be used toadjust for altered air conductivity due to changes in relative humidity.

The method of the present invention is referred to as Molecular ImpulseResponse, or MIR. A specific type of impulse from an electron produces amolecular response in the seed which ultimately results insignificantly-improved seed performance, when it is applied in thefollowing manner, including but not limited to:

A.) Electrodes and Power Supply: Using a spacing between electrodes 11and 12 (preferably 8 cm although other spacings, preferably betweenabout 1 and 20 cm, can be used but will alter the effective voltages)and inducing a voltage gradient between the electrodes of about 2 kV ormore (other voltages can be used up to, but below, the electricalbreakdown voltage in air corona discharge) results in the production oforganized electron avalanches which take the form of sharp, regularelectrical conductivity pulses of relatively uniform amplitude in theair between the electrodes 11 and 12 (as traced on a chart recordersystem 21 as shown in FIG. 1A) Such spontaneously organized electronavalanches have been described in the scientific literature, mostnotably by Nasser, as examples of a low density, low energy plasma inair at ambient pressure. (Source: E. Nasser, "Fundamentals of GaseousIonization and Plasma Electronics", Wiley-Interscience, New York, pages209 to 217 (1971)).

The frequency of the avalanche pulses rises spontaneously withincreasing voltage (see FIG. 1B). This is different from the oscillatingelectric field employed by the prior art in which the frequency is fixedartificially and remained the same unless human intervention changed it.This difference is at the heart of the present invention because it isnot oscillation of the electric field which produces the desired resultsbut these spontaneous, organized avalanches of ion-electrons producedbetween the electrodes 11 and 12 in air which elicit the MolecularImpulse Response.

Use of a pure DC power supply, with no AC ripple, results in electronavalanches with significantly less pulsing and regularity. Exposure ofseeds to these pulses results in a lower seed performance than thoseexposed to a DC power supply with an AC ripple. Furthermore, results aredifficult to consistently reproduce when an AC ripple is absent. Thus itis not merely exposure to an electric field which produces thebeneficial results claimed here, nor is it exposure to any type ofelectron avalanches. The seeds must be exposed to the sharp, regular,uniform or organized electron avalanches as shown in FIG. 1B for bestresults.

B.) Diagnostic Procedure: Different voltages (generally between 2-20 kV)and different time exposures (from seconds to minutes) produce the bestresults with different varieties of seed. The optimal parameters areselected for each seed by exposing them at a range of voltages for arange of times, and comparing the results by germination and/or growthand/or yield tests, as well as by redox measurements.

A redox diagnostic procedure allows the achievement of significantimprovements in a wide variety of seed/plant types. This diagnosticprocedure is necessary because a variety of seed which is positivelyeffected at a high (20 kV) or low (5 kV) voltage may be effectednegatively by a medium (15 kV) voltage. Conversely, seeds which do wellat a low voltage may do poorly at a high voltage and vice versa.

It has been found that the seeds should be stored at 40° F. to 80° F. Ifthe temperature is too low then no result is achieved.

It will be appreciated that the seeds can be positioned on anon-conductive screen 22, such as fiberglass, between the electrodes 11and 12 as shown in FIG. 5. Preferably the electrodes 11 and 12 are roundwith rounded edges. The electrode preferably has a 8 to 9 cm gap and adiameter of about 30.5 cm. The seeds are placed on the electrode so asnot to be touching significantly.

EXAMPLE 1

This Example shows laboratory germination tests accurately diagnosingtreatment levels which produce yield increases, plus examples of how avoltage which is good for one crop produces marginal or decreased yieldin another, as compared to untreated controls as shown in Table

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                  Best Germ.  Good Yield.sup.1                                                                         Marginal or                                  Crop Type kV          kV         Poor Yield                                   ______________________________________                                        Tomato     5 kV       4, 12, 16 kV                                                                             8, 20 kV                                     Carrot     5 kV       4 kV       12, 20 kV                                    Soybeans   8 kV       8,12 kV    4 kV                                         Navy Beans                                                                              10 kV       10, 12 kV  6 kV                                         Bi-Color  15 kV       16, 8 kV   12, 4 kV                                     Sweet Corn                                                                    Kandy-Krisp                                                                             15 kV       16, 12 kV  4, 8 kV                                      Sweet Corn                                                                    Inbred                4, 16 kV   8, 12, 20 kV                                 Field Corn                                                                    Hybrid                4, 12, 16 kV                                                                             8, 20 kV                                     Field Corn                                                                    Cypress   15 kV       16 kV                                                   Rice                                                                          ______________________________________                                         .sup.1 Measured by fruit and grain weights.                              

Frequently, laboratory germination voltages were tried in increments of5, i.e. 5, 10,. 15 kilovolts, while field tests were in increments offour kilovolts, thus producing non-exact matches. Results of a range oftreatment durations have been averaged here for each voltage forsimplicity.

A key element of the present invention is a waiting period during whichtreated seeds are not germinated for a minimum of several weeks afterexposure. Germination of exposed seeds before this waiting period iscompleted can result in no improvement in the seeds or even negativeeffects. Consistent, reproducible, improvements are not found with seedsplanted soon after exposure. Improved effects in treated seeds have beenseen as long as 18 months after treatment. There is not as yet any knownupper limit to the waiting period. While the minimum waiting periodvaries from one seed variety to another, a minimum of 30 days has beenfound to be effective. The seeds of FIGS. 2A to 2C were stored for 35,35 and 36 days respectively.

The redox ratio is a measure of temporal variations in respiration asmeasured by changes in oxidation/reduction activity in seedlings grownfrom treated seeds. Increased phase amplitudes of redox cycles,indicative of increased rates of respiration and free radical activity,have been consistently measured in 10-12 day seedings grown fromMIR-treated seeds (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Many studies have suggested thatalterations in redox ratios are linked with growth responses inbiological organisms. (Levengood, "Bioelectrochemistry AndBloenergetics, 19 461-476 (1988); also Allen and Balin, "Free RadicalBiology and Medicine" Vol. 6, pp. 631-661 (1989); A. Sakamoto et al.,FEBS Letters, Vol. 358 pp. 62 (1995)). Whether or not this is in factthe mechanism of the present invention, alterations in redox ratios havebeen seen to be linked with improved growth performance in MIR-treatedseeds, including eventual increases in final yield. In the greenseedling autotrophic stage, redox levels of seedlings grown fromMIR-treated seeds are lower than in untreated seedings as shown in FIG.4, consistent with the hypothesis of higher levels of anti-oxidantspresent which deactivate free radicals and thereby lower redox ratiolevels.

Measurements were made according to the procedure set forth inLevengood, Bioelectrochemistry And Bioenergetics, 19 461-476 (1988).Detection of the above-mentioned free radical alterations can be used asa means of quality control for MIR operations. This monitoring orquality control can serve as a rapid check that the desired effect isbeing achieved in the treated seeds, without resorting to time-consuminggrowing of the seeds. This redox ratio analysis makes commercial scaleoperations reliable and dependable.

From several hours to several days after treatment, MIR seedlingsdisplay raised redox ratios, indicating a burst of free radicals withinthe cells formed by the impact of the ion-electron avalanches. Seedsexperience activation of cellular anti-oxidant defenses and consequentlyhave lowered redox ratios. In dried seeds this process moves slowly, asdo all metabolic processes in quiescent seeds. Seeds which have beentreated at an effective voltage and for an effective time will, duringstorage, experience a redox level shift as cellular anti-oxidantdefenses, such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and others, deactivate thefree radicals. In maize, for example, cells have been known to producemore SOD than needed to disable the free radicals present. Gail L.Matters and John G. Scandalios, "Effect of the free radical-generatingherbicide paraquat on the expression of the superoxide dismutase (Sod)genes in maize", Biochemica et Biophysica Acta 882 p. 33 (1986) observed54% increases in SOD levels but only a 40% increase in SOD activity, inresponse to a burst of superoxide radicals. Thus the resulting surplusof anti-oxidants lowers the normal levels of free radicals in seeds andin mature, developing plant tissue the MIR treated plants have lowerredox ratio than in the untreated controls as shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, the spatial drift of the MIR pulses outside theelectrodes 11 and 12 can be examined by stationing an experimental probecoil 101 near the electrodes 11 and 12. A linear chart recorder 21 isused to detect the induced current in coil 101. The electron avalanchesdrift laterally from between the electrodes 11 and 12 and through anelectrostatic-magnetic coupling induce a magnetic field in the coil 101,which in turn generates a potential in the millivolt range. With thecoil 101 placed directly across one channel of a dual channel chartrecorder such as recorder 21 in FIG. 1A and the MIR system across thesecond channel, one can examine the effectiveness and form of the pulsesin action. For example, the set of curves in FIG. 6 show themagnetically induced and MIR pulses from the coupled system. The coil101 usually has 10,000 to 100,000 turns, preferably 80,000 turns.

As pointed out by H. Raether ("Electron Avalanches and Breakdown inGasses", Butterworth & Co. Ltd., U.K. 1964) one reliable criteria toknow whether an observed current pulse can be identified with anavalanche process is to compare the form of the avalanche pulse with theinduced magnetic component. From the basic theory of electron avalancheformation one should find that the induced magnetic component H(expressed here as coil 101 potential) is directly related to ln(i),where i is the amplitude of the avalanche current pulse in the MIRsystem. The experimental data in FIG. 7 confirms (r=0.89; P<0.05) thatthese are electron avalanches.

EXAMPLE 2

When the above steps are used together as part of a coherent process totreat the seeds in the aforementioned manner, the following results havebeen achieved in a variety of crops in both laboratory and field tests:

1) Increased rate of field emergence. An example is shown in FIG. 8A forGlycine max. Var. PS-202 and in FIGS. 8B and 8C for two varieties of Zeamays sweet corn.

2) Increased rates of plant growth and plant size uniformity.

EXAMPLES 3 AND 4

Examples of the MIR effect in sweet corn are disclosed in Table 2 and 3below. The data were taken at 52 days development within field testplots. The seeds were stored for 56 days.

Variety-"Kandy

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Plant heights (cm)                                                                                     N-     Coeff.                                                                              kV-                                     Series   ave.     sd     plants of Var.                                                                             level                                   ______________________________________                                        Controls 113.2    29.8   49     26.3% None                                     5 sec.  145.2    11.3   31      7.8% 12-16                                   10 sec.  134.8    26.7   37     19.8% 12-16                                   ______________________________________                                    

Variety

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                        Plant heights (cm)                                                                                     N-     Coeff.                                                                              kV-                                     Series   ave.     sd     plants of Var.                                                                             level                                   ______________________________________                                        Controls 109.6    36.3   81     33.1% None                                    5 & 10   126.6    28.4   43     22.4% 12-16                                   sec.                                                                          5 min.   123.2    28.4   36     23.1% 12-16                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 5

Increased lateral root growth which has been achieved.

Navy bean seed were treated on Sep. 30, 1992 and germinated 65 dayslater (20 seeds per lot) as shown in Table

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                                           3 Day                                                      Voltage   Duration Roots       sd   Number                                    ______________________________________                                         5kV      25 sec.  6.26 cm     1.64 20                                        10 kV     25 sec.  6.63 cm     0.92 19                                        Control    0       4.54 cm     2.63 20                                        ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 6

Accelerated maturity has been achieved. Some plants grown under openfield conditions from treated seed reach the harvest stage insignificantly fewer days, as compared to controls. With sweet corn oftwo varieties, ears with protruding silk were counted 52 days after theywere planted as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

EXAMPLES 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Increased Yield has been achieved in a variety of commercial crops undernormal field conditions, with no extraordinary use of sprays,irrigation, or fertilizer. These effects have been noted in variousplants. Soybeans: with a +28.6% increase in yield by dry weight ofSoybean seed (Glycine max) of variety 05-202, were exposed for 5 minutesto voltages of 5, 10, 20 and 30 kV on Mar. 2, 1994. One row of 48 seedsfrom each of these series was planted May 27, 1994 (25 days later) inindividual field test plot. Emergence was noted as shown in FIG. 8A,with significant improvements over controls. The best emergence was seenin the 5 kV and 10 kV exposures. These two exposures were the same oneswhich showed increases in yield at harvest. The results are shown inTable

                  TABLE 5                                                         ______________________________________                                        Series        Voltage  Yield in Lbs.                                          ______________________________________                                        Control       Controls 1.75 lbs.                                              A              5 kV    2.25 lbs.                                              B             10 kV    2.20 lbs.                                              D             20 kV    1.63 lbs.                                              E             30 kV    1.50 lbs.                                              ______________________________________                                    

Soybeans: In a 1995 field test, seeds of Soybean var. "Young" weretreated Mar. 15, 1995 and planted May 12, 1995. Each field plot entryrepresents the mean of four replicates from a two pound lot of treatedseed. Results were converted to bushels per acre. Weights per 1,000seeds from harvest showed appreciable differences. Yield increases werethe result of more soybeans produced. The results are shown in Table

                  TABLE 6                                                         ______________________________________                                        TREATMENT     BUSHELS/ACRE                                                    ______________________________________                                        Control       35.95                                                           4 kV, 10 sec. 37.04                                                           4 kV, 30 sec. 34.99                                                           4 kV, 5 min.  36.04                                                           8 kV, 10 sec. 40.10                                                           8 kV, 30 sec. 41.44                                                           8 kV, 5 min.  41.73                                                           12 kV, 10 sec.                                                                              34.74                                                           12 kV, 30 sec.                                                                              39.50                                                           12 kV, 5 min. 39.64                                                           Control       34.92                                                           ______________________________________                                    

Field Corn: 24 seeds per lot were planted on May 31, 1995 in Blissfield,Mich. Figures are pounds of shelled corn per lot. The results are shownin Table

                  TABLE 7                                                         ______________________________________                                        Inbred, Variety 305-10Gr (F6)                                                 VOLTAGE    10 sec.  30 sec.   5 min.                                                                              Control                                   ______________________________________                                         4 kV      2.65 lbs.                                                                              1.85      1.55  2.10                                       8 kV      1.80     1.95      1.45  1.95                                      12 kV      1.95     1.35      1.50  1.90                                      16 kV      1.60     1.00      0.95  2.00                                      ______________________________________                                         Mean of Controls: 2.03                                                   

Hybrid, Variety HYPOP.2830MF. The results are shown in Table

                  TABLE 8                                                         ______________________________________                                        VOLTAGE    10 sec. 30 sec.    5 min.                                                                              Control                                   ______________________________________                                         4 kV      7.15 lbs                                                                              7.10       6.65  5.55                                       8 kV      5.05    4.40       4.75  4.90                                      12 kV      5.95    5.65       4.85  4.20                                      16 kV      5.20    5.95       5.10  6.10                                      20 kV      5.20    4.75       3.95  3.20                                      ______________________________________                                         Mean of Controls: 4.79                                                   

Carrots: Carrot seeds of variety Daucus carota Danvers 126 were plantedMay 31 1995 at Blissfield, Mich. and harvested Sep. 7, 1995. Weight percarrot figures are summarized by voltage in FIG. 10. Below are resultsper treatment duration for 4 kV and 8 kV (best yielding voltages) pluscontrols. In these results the interplay and dual importance of bothtime and voltage level is obvious. Here the increases over controlsfollow no linear progression, emphasizing the importance of thediagnostic procedures discussed earlier in order to select the mosteffective voltage and treatment duration for a particular seed variety.The results are shown in Table

                  TABLE 9                                                         ______________________________________                                        VOLTAGE       DURATION     WT./CARROT                                         ______________________________________                                        4 kV          10 sec.      0.10 lbs.                                          4 kV          30 sec.      0.112                                              4 kV           5 min.      0.141                                              4 kV          30 min.      0.128                                              8 kV          10 sec.      0.066 lbs.                                         8 kV          30 sec       0.154                                              8 kV           5 min.      0.175                                              8 kV          30 min.      0.093                                              0             0            0.10 lbs--Control                                  0             0            0.096--Control                                     0             0            0.105--Control                                     0             0            0.089--Control                                     ______________________________________                                         0.098  Mean of Controls                                                  

Tomatoes: Seeds of Lycopersicon esculentum variety malinta were exposedMar. 10, 1995 and planted May 31, at Blissfield, Mich. and harvestedSep. 5, 1995. Yield in pounds of fruit per plant was averaged for eachvoltage across four time exposures (10 sec., 30 sec. 5 min., and 30min). The results are shown in Table

                  TABLE 10                                                        ______________________________________                                        VOLTAGE       LBS./PLANT % CHANGE                                             ______________________________________                                        Control       0.516      0%                                                    4 kV         0.69       +34%                                                  8 kV         0.455      -12%                                                 12 kV         0.648      +26%                                                 16 kV         0.61       +18%                                                 20 kV         0.458      -11%                                                 ______________________________________                                    

Rice: Cypress rice (Oxyza sativa) seed of variety Lemont was obtainedfrom Mississippi State University, treated Mar. 12, 1995, and plantedMay 11, 1995 (59 days) in Mississippi. Test plots were flushed withwater May 15 due to extreme dryness. Emergence occurred May 25 (delayeddue to dryness) and plots were flooded June 9. Each figure is the resultof 250 gms. of seed grown in four replicated plots, averaged andextrapolated to bushels per acre. Peak yield increases were noted asshown in Table

                  TABLE 11                                                        ______________________________________                                        VOLTAGE      TIME      YIELD   % CHANGE                                       ______________________________________                                        Control       0        159.37  0%                                             16 kV        10 sec.   180.13  +13%                                           16 kV        30 sec.   169.06  +6%                                             8 kV         5 min.   170.08  +7%                                            ______________________________________                                    

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show the circuit 200 of the apparatus of the presentinvention. The apparatus is available from Hipotronics, Inc., Brewster,N.Y. There is an AC circuit 220 and a DC circuit 240. The negativeterminal 260 is connected to the cathode electrode 12 and the positiveterminal 280 is connected to the anode electrode 11. The variouselements in the apparatus of FIG. 11 are shown in Table

                  TABLE 12                                                        ______________________________________                                        220 Circuit                                                                   C1              .022 600 V                                                    C2              .022 600 V                                                    PLI                                                                           F2              2A                                                            UP1                                                                           MDV1            250 V                                                         200 Circuit                                                                   NE1                                                                           NE2                                                                           POS             Positive                                                      NEG             Negative                                                      R1              5 K 1/4 W                                                     R2              5 K 1%                                                        R3              250 K 1%                                                      R4              270 K                                                         A2              Meter Circuit P/N 30-293                                      C1              .22 400 V                                                     C2              .22 400 V                                                     201 Circuit                                                                   T1              Transformer                                                   R1              250 M, 6 W                                                    R2              250 M, 6 W                                                    R3              50 K, 50 W                                                    R4              50 K, 50 W                                                    R5              200 M, 6 W                                                    R6              22 M, 1 W                                                     R7              22 M, 1 W                                                     CR1             Diode                                                         CR2             Diode                                                         C1              0.02 μf; 30 kV                                             C2              0.02 μf; 30 kV                                             POS             Positive                                                      NEG             Negative                                                      Output          60 kV DC                                                                      2.5 mADC                                                      ______________________________________                                    

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 show the results of aging of the seeds for a periodof time. As can be seen the aging is very important.

FIG. 18 shows the results when oat seeds are treated in the paniclewhich tends to shield the seed from the electrons. As can be seen, thetreatment is effective but less so than in FIG. 17.

It is believed that the influence of the MIR process on seeds is basedon the formation of electron-ion avalanches in air at normal atmosphericpressure and temperature. Under an applied electric potential, theseavalanches can be directed as electron-ion impulses in the form ofregular cycles or plasma waves. The frequency, amplitude and confinementof these pulses are governed by the applied potential and the designconfigurations of the MIR apparatus.

In the MIR process there is a relationship between the electron-ionavalanche pulse formation and the manner in which they form an organizedplasma. The avalanche formation takes place between parallel plateelectrodes 11 and 12 at a potential sufficient to cause the electrons(e⁻) leaving the cathode to gain enough energy to ionize air moleculesthrough both elastic, and to a lesser degree, inelastic collisions. Inthe present MIR configuration the minimum potential for avalancheformation is around 0.5 KV/cm. In the electron-molecule collisions newe⁻ 's are formed and these plus the primary e⁻ keep repeating thisprocess thus forming a cascading avalanche.

The mean number (n) of drifting electrons e⁻ 's grow at,

    n(x)=exp (αx)                                        (1)

wherein x is the distance of e⁻ drift, and α the mean number of ionizingcollisions per e⁻ per cm. Nasser (E. Nasser, Fundamentals of GaseousIonization and Plasma Electronics, Wiley-Interscience, New York (1971))points out that after a time t' the electric field disappears within theavalanche so that the e⁻ swarm stops and attaches to molecules, that is,the plasma pulse is partially neutralized or discharged. This takesplace inside the electrode gap if the drift path L of the avalanche is,

    L=vt'                                                      (2)

wherein v, the e⁻ drift velocity is less than the electrode spacingdistance d (in air, v is around 10⁷ cm/sec.). With d=8 cm, t' must be<8×10⁻⁷ sec. The positive ions (not shown in FIG. 1A) have a low v⁺ ofaround 10⁵ cm/sec and therefore have drifted very little from theirpoint of production.

The current i produced by an avalanche is,

    i=(εn.sub.0 /t')exp (αv't)                   (3)

If we take (ε n₀ /t') as the rate constant k', for the avalancheformation,

    i=k'exp (αv'T)                                       (4)

where T is the transient time for one avalanche pulse, therefore

    ln(i)=k(αv'T)                                        (5)

wherein k is a new rate constant. Thus in (i) is proportional to themean number of ionizing collisions (α) during an avalanche pulse oftransient time T.

One reliable criteria (H. Raether, Electron Avalanches and Breakdown inGasses Butterworth & Co., Ltd., Great Britain (1964)) to know whether anobserved current pulse can be identified with an avalanche process is tomeasure and compare the growth of e⁻ 's with the theoreticalrelationship.

    n=exp (αv t)                                         (6)

In the MIR system there is no e⁻ confinement, therefore the avalanchepulses drift laterally outside the confines of the parallel plateelectrodes. This external drift of plasma provides a method forexperimentally examining the growth of electrons as predicted by theEquation-6 theoretical relationship. For this purpose an experimentalprobe coil 101 consisting of 80,000 turns of #40 copper wire, waspositioned in proximity with the MIR system (FIG. 5). When placeddirectly across one channel of a linear chart recorder, any inducedmagnetic field is readily detected as a voltage pulse in the probe coil101. Avalanche pulses of varying current amplitudes were formed withinthe MIR system and recorded on a separate recorder channel as shown inFIG. 6. Any induced field in the probe coil is taken as beingproportional to the plasma density formed by the ionizing collisions.From Equation 5 the predicted relationship between a transient avalanchecurrent s and the magnetic field H, induced by an ion-electronconcentration (α) drifting across the test coil 101 would, under thesehypothetical conditions be given by,

    H=c.sub.1 ln(i)+c.sub.2                                    (7)

wherein c₁ and c₂ are proportionality constants.

From chart recorder traces taken from experiments conducted over a rangeof electrode potentials, the amplitudes (in mv) of the plasma inducedmagnetic fields were compared with the amplitudes of the avalanchecurrents. These data (FIG. 7) plotted according to Equation 7 show goodcorrelation (r=0.89; P<0.05) between the theoretical model of plasmaavalanches and the experimental data obtained from the MIR system.

At a given potential the amplitudes and frequency of the avalanchepulses remain relatively constant over the transient intervals. Thestability of the ion current pulses was examined by "injecting" excesselectrons into an MIR system during a succession of stable avalanchepulses. If UV radiation is directed onto the cathode plate, electronsare released through the photoelectric effect. This can produce what hasbeen called (H. Raether, Electron Avalanches and Breakdown in Gasses,Butterworth & Co., Ltd., Great Britain (1964)) "Avalanches WithSuccessors". Through the injection of additional secondary electrons theamplitudes of the avalanche pulse currents are increased.

This photoelectric avalanche enhancement was produced in a MIR. systemconsisting of "Optical Transmitting Electrodes" or OTE's (glass coatedwith a semiconducting tin oxide film) as electrode 12 arranged withelectrode separation of 6 cm and 20 kV applied potential. As shown inFIG. 14, the effect of the electron injection is shown to take place 30seconds after the start (indicated by arrow) of cathode exposure. Due toa shielding effect (E. Nasser, Fundamentals of Gaseous Ionization andPlasma Electronics, Wiley-Interscience, New York (1971)), a plasma willtend to remain stable even when external charges are introduced into theavalanche system. This initial delay followed by a rise to a maximumcurrent amplitude at around 70 sec. followed by the gradual decline, isvery consistent with the results obtained in other plasma systems, againconfirming that it is a plasma electron avalanche process at work in thespace between the electrodes. Exposure of the anode (polarity reversed)to UV had no effect (lower curve) on the current pulse amplitudes, aswould be expected. using an anode which is wider than the cathode altersthe shape of the electric field in a manner which contains more of theion/electrons between the electrodes, allowing fewer to drift outside.The result is even more uniform and regular pulses of ion/electronavalanches.

The commercial advantages of the present invention are:

(1) Germination and Early Growth: With the MIR method the plant movesthrough the vulnerable, seedling stage faster. Greater uniformity atthis stage limits the disadvantages of taller plants shading shorterones and increases chances for all to thrive. Uniformity of growth alsomakes it easier to harvest the plants.

(2) Root Growth: The MIR method is of particular value in plants such asnavy beans where root growth is frequently a problem.

(3) Accelerated Maturity: Accelerated maturity due to the MIR method isof economic advantage to farmers in crops, such as tomato and sweetcorn, where the first produce to market each season commands much higherprices. In countries which double crop, it increases the likelihood thatboth crops will be able to mature and produce a full harvest. In farnorthern regions, with limited daylight and warm days in growing season,the MIR method increases the chances of a successful season.

(4) Increased Yield: There are economic and humanitarian advantages tothe MIR method. There is commercial appeal to the farmer, allowing himto grow more crop to produce income from the same farm. With worldpopulation growth outstripping food supply, any significant increases inyield is beneficial.

Key features of the MIR method are:

(1) Sharp, well-organized, uniform electron avalanches (not coronadischarge, and not static electric fields). This is provided with a DCvoltage source having an AC ripple.

(2) Voltage potentials are 0.2 vK/cm to (but not including) dielectricspark gap breakdown discharge.

(3) Anode electrode with the seeds.

(4) Special electron feedback loop 15 enhances results.

(5) Diagnostic Procedures.

(6) A waiting period of several weeks between treatment and planting.

(7) Redox ratio measurement provides quality control after treatment bythe MIR method to confirm if effect was achieved, thus providing animmediate check on results.

(8) Coil 101 recorder system provides an additional quality control toinsure avalanches are in fact being produced, and have the proper form.Without this test, humidity and dust/debris on electrodes 11 and/or 12could cause failure to produce avalanches (particularly when operatingnear the 0.5 kV/cm threshold, which is frequently used with some seeds.

(9) The MIR method is practical and affordable for large scalecommercial operations. Short time period of treatments are required(seconds to minutes) and small amounts of electricity are expended. TheMIR method is suitable for conveyor-driven seed handling systems. TheMIR method produces consistency of results.

It is intended that the foregoing description be only illustrative ofthe present invention and that the present invention be limited only bythe hereinafter appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for treating a seed to enhance the growthcharacteristics of the seed which comprises:(a) a pair of spaced apartelectrodes as an anode and as a cathode having a gap between themwherein the seed is to be supported on or adjacent to the anode; (b)voltage generating means for simultaneously supplying a direct current(DC) voltage to the anode and the cathode using a power supply with anoutput voltage with an impressed alternating current AC ripple as theoutput voltage so as to produce organized, pulsed avalanches ofelectrons moving from the cathode towards and into a seed when placed onthe anode for a period of time which enhances the growth characteristicsof the seed; and (c) coil means with multiple turns mounted adjacent tothe spaced apart electrodes which detects pulsed avalanches ofelectrons; and (d) recording means for recording the pulsed avalanchesof electrons as detected by the coil means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the DC voltage to be supplied is between about 4K and a sparkbreakdown voltage, the AC voltage to be supplied is between about 60 and220 Hz and the gap is between about 1 and 20 cm.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the detection means is a coil which has between about10,000 and 100,000 turns.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein therecording means is a chart recorder.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinair is provided in the gap.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theanode and cathode have legs made of a dielectric material which restupon a non-conductive table and wherein a feedback conductor leads backto anode from the table.